Tamil Nadu Environment Minister’s remark on soap, shampoo use causing Noyyal River foaming draws ire

A comment by Tamil Nadu Minister for Environment and Climate Change V.K. Rajiv, that soap and shampoo used by the public can also cause excessive foaming in the Noyyal River, which flows through Tiruppur district, has sparked criticism.

Speaking to mediapersons after an inspection of the river on Tuesday (October 27, 2026), the Minister made this statement while warning dyeing and textile units of strict action if they released untreated effluents into the river, taking advantage of the copious flow of rainwater during the Northeast monsoon season.

Environmental activists and farmers have, for long, been complaining about foaming in the Noyyal River throughout the year, allegedly caused by the direct discharge of untreated effluents from numerous factories.

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) will issue a statement on the issue, official sources said.

‘Even children know why foaming occurs’

Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) president Anbumani Ramadoss on Wednesday (October 28) criticised Mr. Rajiv, and said that “even children know that the foaming of rivers such as the Noyyal is caused by the discharge of wastes into them” and demanded concrete action to protect rivers.

“The uncontrolled discharge of textile dyeing effluents into the Noyyal River in Coimbatore, Tiruppur, and Karur districts is the reason for the excessive foaming. It is also widely known that the contamination of the Orathuppalayam Dam, built across the Noyyal River, with textile dyeing effluents has prompted farmers to protest against the opening of the dam,” he said.

The excessive foaming at the Kelavarapalli Dam on the Thenpennai River is caused by the discharge of waste into the river in Karnataka, he said, adding that he had personally inspected both rivers on several occasions and urged the authorities to take action to prevent the discharge of effluents into them. The Supreme Court, too, has issued several orders to the governments of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in this regard, he said.

He further pointed out that the Minister had praised the functioning of the textile dyeing effluent treatment facilities in the district while assuring dyeing mill owners that steps would be taken to fulfil their demands. “This raises serious doubts about whose interests the Minister is representing and whose voice he is echoing,” Dr. Anbumani said.